Control of schistosomiasis ‘may be reached sooner than proposed’
Programmes to control and eliminate parasitic disease are reaching targets earlier than projected, according to new research.
Scientists analysed data from nine national schistosomiasis control programmes and found that the majority of initiatives across sub-Saharan African and Yemen have reached the disease-control target by two treatment rounds or less. This is contrary to the five to 10 years estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The collaborative study involved researchers at The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the US Agency for International Development. Results are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
“I’m excited to share the results of our paper which will enable us to improve our approach to achieving the global control and elimination targets for schistosomiasis, owing much to the hard work and dedication of staff at these control programmes,” said lead author Dr Arminder Deol from the LSHTM.
“We move beyond theoretical outputs, and present empirical evidence through our partnership with the National Ministries of Health, to show that the goal of control may be reached sooner than proposed, which means that we can adjust our strategy to ensure we meet the elimination targets in time.”
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. Estimates show that at least 220.8 million people needed preventative treatment for the infection in 2017, of which over 102.3 million people were reported to have been treated.
People can become infected with schistosomiasis through agricultural, domestic and recreational activities that expose them to infested water. The parasites can cause symptoms including stunting, anaemia, fever, genital lesions and irreversible organ damage.
The WHO set ambitious goals to control schistosomiasis and eliminate it as a public health problem by 2020 and 2025, respectively. The strategy recommended by WHO is preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel - the only drug available.
Image (C) A. Deol.
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